A Must-Have for Busy Kitchens
So, I recently got my hands on the Oster 11-Qt Flex Air Fryer Oven, and I have to say—it’s been a game changer. If you’ve been juggling between cooking different meals at once or just trying to get dinner on the table faster, this air fryer might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Let me walk you through why this dual air fryer is such a versatile addition to the kitchen.
Oster 11-Qt Flex Air Fryer Oven – Large Capacity for Big Meals
The first thing that stands out about the Oster 11-Quart Flex Air Fryer Oven is the size. This thing is huge—11 quarts, to be exact. It’s perfect for families or if you love cooking in bulk. I can cook a full batch of chicken wings in one basket while roasting veggies in the other, all at the same time. The dual cooking zones make it easy to prepare different foods without worrying about mixing flavors or timings.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the baskets are pretty deep, so you can load them up without worrying about overcrowding. I’ve made enough food in one go to feed a family of four, and everything came out evenly cooked. If you’re someone who likes to entertain or just needs to get multiple dishes done at once, this air fryer makes life so much easier.
Two Independent Cooking Zones
What really sets the Oster Flex apart from other air fryers is the two cooking zones. Each basket operates independently, so you can set different temperatures and times for each side. This is perfect for cooking different foods that require different settings. For example, I’ve air-fried crispy chicken on one side while roasting some potatoes on the other. Both came out perfectly, even though they required different cooking times and temperatures.
I was a bit skeptical about how well the independent zones would work, but they exceeded my expectations. There’s no flavor transfer, and both baskets finish cooking at the same time, thanks to the sync function. It’s a huge timesaver, and if you’ve ever struggled to time your dishes right, this feature will save you a lot of frustration.
Multiple Cooking Functions
The Oster Flex isn’t just about air frying. It comes with six different cooking functions—air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. I’ve tried most of them by now, and they all perform well. The bake function works just like a mini oven, and I’ve used it to bake cookies and even small cakes. The roast function is also impressive—it made a perfectly tender pork loin with minimal effort.
I also gave the dehydrate function a whirl, making some homemade fruit chips. It works slower than a dedicated dehydrator, but for occasional use, it does the job well. If you’re someone who likes to experiment with different cooking methods or wants an appliance that can do more than just air fry, this feature set is great. You’ll find yourself reaching for it even when you’re not in the mood for fried food.
Design and Ease of Use
In terms of design, the Oster Flex has a sleek and modern look. It’s compact enough to fit on most countertops without taking up too much space, yet it has the capacity to handle large meals. The baskets are easy to slide in and out, and they come with handles that stay cool, so there’s no risk of burning your hands.
The digital display is intuitive and easy to navigate. Setting the time and temperature is as simple as it gets, and switching between cooking modes takes just a press of a button. The unit also comes with preset options for popular dishes like fries and chicken, so if you’re not sure what settings to use, these presets can save you time.
The only downside I noticed is that it’s a little bulky if you’re low on counter space. But if you’re upgrading from a smaller air fryer or oven, it’s worth the real estate. The baskets are dishwasher-safe, which is a big plus for me. Cleaning up after cooking is fast and hassle-free, which is essential when you’re cooking multiple meals in one go.
Cooking Performance
I’ve tested this air fryer with a variety of dishes, and the results are consistently great. Whether I’m making something simple like fries or more complicated like roasted meat, it handles everything well. Foods come out crispy without being dry, and the interior stays juicy. The high-powered fan ensures even cooking, and I’ve never had any issues with uneven spots.
One of the standout features of this air fryer is the ability to cook at high temperatures up to 450°F. This is especially useful when you want to get a good sear on meat or a crispy crust on baked goods. I also love that it preheats quickly, so there’s no long wait time before you start cooking.
I’ve found that the cooking times are generally shorter than with a conventional oven, which is a huge bonus. I can whip up a batch of fries in under 15 minutes, and they come out perfectly crisp. The sync finish function is another big plus—it ensures that both baskets finish cooking at the same time, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to coordinate a full meal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 11-quart capacity: Perfect for families or batch cooking.
- Two independent cooking zones: Cook different dishes simultaneously at different temperatures.
- Six cooking functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat all in one appliance.
- Digital display and easy controls: User-friendly interface with preset options.
- Sync finish function: Ensures both baskets finish cooking at the same time.
- Quick preheat and cooking times: Cuts down on total cooking time compared to traditional ovens.
Cons:
- Bulky: Takes up a significant amount of counter space.
- Dehydrate function: Slower than a dedicated dehydrator.Oster 11-Quart Flex Air Fryer Oven, Dual Air Fryer with 2 Cooking Zones, Double Air Fryer with 6 Cooking Functions, Large Air Fryer with 2 Frying Baskets4.7We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Final Thoughts
The Oster 11-Qt Flex Air Fryer Oven is a versatile and powerful addition to any kitchen. With its large capacity, dual cooking zones, and multiple cooking functions, it’s perfect for families or anyone who likes to cook in bulk. The fact that you can air fry, roast, bake, and more in one appliance makes it a great investment, especially if you’re trying to minimize the number of gadgets on your countertop.
It’s not without its flaws—it’s on the larger side, and the dehydrate function could be faster—but those are minor issues compared to how well it performs. If you’re looking for an air fryer that does more than just fry, this is a fantastic option. Plus, the ability to cook two different foods at once makes it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests.
If you’re in the market for an air fryer, the Oster Flex is definitely worth considering. It’s reliable, versatile, and large enough to handle just about anything you throw at it.
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